The oldest bunch of swingers, and ruckers, in town go toe-to-toe with Romania on Sunday.
Joe Schmidt was surprised to learn that his starting XV will be the country’s oldest ever to line out in a World Cup match.
He should not have been too shocked – six of his team are aged over 30 with another two not far off.
Youth and vibrancy come in the form of fullback Simon Zebo and blindside Jordi Murphy. Two other pups – Paddy Jackson and Tadhg Furlong – are on the bench but there is no sign of Robbie Henshaw.
Schmidt says the Connacht back is “really good” but putting the 23-year-old out for his first World Cup game, at the Olympic Stadium, against Italy is now in doubt. He will have to prove an awful lot to his coaches in training next week.
Here is the current State of the Nation…
Form
Sunday represents the final chance for outsiders and benchwarmers alike to force their way into the picture.
Ireland ripped into Canada in their World Cup opener and ran a lot of set-plays off quick set-piece rugby [scrums and lineouts]. Schmidt demanded a high tempo as he knows it will be required later in the tournament.
The Canadian game featured a strong 50 minute showing and 10 minutes of garnish at the death. Expecting 80 minutes of perfection against Romania may be asking for too much but that has not tempered Schmidt before.
Jamie Heaslip captains the side and is on course to repeat his RWC2011 feat – playing all 80 minutes for his country. Jared Payne gets another shot in the No.13 jersey while bosh-merchant Keith Earls will be thrilled to be retained on the left wing.
Romania have been cruelly dealt with a four-day turnaround after facing off against France.
The Eastern Europeans were doughty and brave for over an hour before conceding two late French tries.
Asked about the fixture fudge, Schmidt commented, “I don’t know if it is an unfair advantage but that’s something you might attach to it… the draw is the draw.”
Injuries
Henshaw, Henshaw, Henshaw.
In the space of 10 months, the Connacht man has become a vital cog in Ireland’s backline. He has only scored one try but his breakdown work, hard carrying and defence has improved game on game.
Schmidt said, “Robbie is fit to play but he missed the early part of the week [in training].”
Asked if Henshaw would be fit to face Italy on October 4, the coach replied, “Yep.”
Schmidt added, “He is fully running now and we just felt that we’d rather not push ahead. We’ve taken no risks. There is a time to take risks but this is not the time.”
Iain Henderson, Peter O’Mahony and Johnny Sexton were notable absentees in the early part of training, this week, too.
“Again,” Schmidt explained, “all three of those guys trained absolutely fully today. They’re fit to play and fit to be selected, but today was the first full training that they took part in.”
Player to watch
Cian Healy will start for Ireland for only the third time in 19 months.
The Leinster loosehead has battled back from neck surgery and serious doubts that he would not prove his fitness in time to depart Dublin Airport.
Healy was seriously gassed after his 30 minute cameo against Canada. It is clear he needs minutes under his belt ahead of the Italy and France games.
Interestingly, Schmidt mentioned how big an impact Healy could have when coming off the bench. This could mean he starts the Italian clash in reserve to Jack McGrath.
Try telling Healy that, however. He will be bursting at the seams to prove to Schmidt that he can do a job from the get-go.
What Ireland need
Ireland have set some high standards with the 50-7 walloping of Canada, in Cardiff.
Romania put up a serious fight against France but a four-day turnaround is ridiculous and Ireland should run roughshod over the world’s 20th best side.
Were Ireland to build upon their positive start from last week, and show that running rugby is not just a pan-flash, supporters will be buoyant heading into our two pivotal games.
Ian Madigan can nail down his support role to Johnny Sexton and both Murphy and Chris Henry are in a straight showdown to back-up the back row.
We have already mentioned how much Healy needs a good, 60-minute performance. Tommy Bowe could do with rediscovering his form, too, if he is to have any hope in featuring in the business end of the tournament.
Another 40+ win and no injuries will do nicely. Again.
What they say
“We want Ian (Madigan) and Paddy (Jackson) both to have some time at 10.
“But if the game’s going in a direction where we feel Ian would benefit from 15 minutes at nine, then that’s possible.”
– Joe Schmidt
What the Romanians say
“Yes, I was pleased to see that try [against France]. When you are a coach and you think you have identified a weakness and it comes off, then you it makes you feel good.”
– Lynn Howells, Romania Coach
Pics of the week
Irish lads chasing adrenaline on their down day at Alton Towers. Just look at Paulie’s face!
Life Style Sports is backing Ireland this year to become world champions and create their own piece of Irish sporting history. The new range of Irish Rugby jerseys and training kit is now available in-store and online to purchase. Click here to show your support. Together #ForVictory.
